So you’ve been exploring the depths of Metroid Prime 4 Beyond and keep running into those pesky Thunder Blockers that won’t budge? I feel you. Thunder Shot is the final piece of the elemental puzzle in Samus’s arsenal, and honestly, it’s worth the wait. This electric beast doesn’t just blast through Thunder Blockers—it powers up dormant machinery and opens up whole new areas you couldn’t access before.
Let me walk you through exactly how to unlock Thunder Shot in Metroid Prime 4 Beyond, where to find that elusive Thunder Chip, and what you need to do before you can even start hunting for it.
What Is Thunder Shot in Metroid Prime 4 Beyond?
Thunder Shot is the third and final elemental shot you’ll unlock in your adventure. Just like you used Ice Shot to get past Ice Blockers and Fire Shot to burn through Fire Blockers, Thunder Shot is your key to demolishing those yellow Thunder Blockers and reactivating electrical systems throughout the game.
Quick heads up: If you’re trying to avoid spoilers, just know you won’t be able to grab Thunder Shot until after you’ve defeated the boss at the end of Flare Pool. So if you’re still early in the game, bookmark this guide and come back later!
Prerequisites: What You Need Before Getting Thunder Shot
Before you can even think about collecting the Thunder Chip, you’ve got some homework to do. Trust me, the game doesn’t hand this one out early. Here’s what you need to check off your list:
1. Unlock Vi-O-La IC Mode in Volt Forge
First things first, you need to unlock Vi-O-La IC Mode at Volt Forge. This becomes possible after you’ve:
- Defeated Keratos in the Ice Belt (yeah, those Snow Wolves are no joke)
- Unlocked Psychic Boost Ball
Once you have Vi-O-La IC Mode, you can finally cross that intimidating lava pool you’ve been staring at.
2. Clear Flare Pool and Defeat Phenoros
Next up, use your newly acquired Vi-O-La IC Mode to cross the lava pool and enter the Flare Pool facility. Work your way through this area—it’s got some tricky puzzles and combat encounters—until you reach Phenoros, the boss at the end.
Beat Phenoros and you’ll earn Psychic Grapple, which is the absolute key to accessing the Thunder Chip. Without Psychic Grapple, you’re not getting anywhere near it.
Pro tip: If you’re struggling with any bosses along the way, check out our beginner tips and tricks guide for some solid combat strategies.
Thunder Chip Location: Where to Find It in Volt Forge
Alright, you’ve got Psychic Grapple—now it’s time to backtrack. Head back to Volt Forge and make your way to Tower 1. You’ll need to descend through the tower until you reach a room called the Collapsed Catwalk.
Finding the Collapsed Catwalk
Not sure where to go? Here’s the good news: if you open your in-game map, you’ll notice the area beyond the Collapsed Catwalk shows up as unexplored. That’s your beacon. Head there and you’ll know you’re on the right track.
Crossing the Collapsed Catwalk
Once you’re in the Collapsed Catwalk room, whip out that shiny new Psychic Grapple and use it to cross the gap. The path forward is pretty straightforward from here—just follow it until you reach a room absolutely packed with Lamorn power cells.
Grabbing the Thunder Chip
In this power cell room, look toward the west side. You’ll spot a malfunctioning power cell with a damaged cover. Here’s what to do:
- Scan the damaged cover to analyze it
- Use Grapple Lasso to rip off the cover
- Interact with the Thunder Chip to collect it
Easy, right? Well… not quite.
Warning: As soon as you grab the Thunder Chip, get ready for a boss fight. The game throws a surprise encounter at you right there in the room, so make sure you’ve got full health and plenty of ammo before picking it up. You’ve been warned!
What to Do With the Thunder Chip
Once you’ve survived the boss battle and secured the Thunder Chip, it’s time to head back to everyone’s favorite tech genius: Myles in Fury Green.
If you’ve been following the story, you already know the drill. Myles will take your Thunder Chip and convert it into the fully functional Thunder Shot. This process is identical to how you got Ice Shot and Fire Shot earlier in the game.
The Thunder Shot will automatically be assigned to your d-pad, making it super easy to switch between your elemental shots on the fly.
Testing Out Your New Thunder Shot
Want to try it out immediately? Perfect timing! Right near Myles in Fury Green, just a couple rooms away, you’ll find an elemental lock puzzle that’s basically begging you to test your new Thunder Shot. It’s a great way to get comfortable with the controls and see exactly how this bad boy works.
From there, you can start backtracking to all those Thunder Blockers you passed earlier and finally crack open those previously inaccessible areas. There’s some solid loot hidden behind those barriers, so it’s definitely worth exploring.
Tips for Using Thunder Shot Effectively
Now that you’ve got Thunder Shot in Metroid Prime 4 Beyond, here are some quick tips to get the most out of it:
- Thunder Shot powers dormant objects: Don’t just think of it as a weapon. Many puzzles require you to activate electrical systems, so keep an eye out for machinery that needs a jolt
- Combine with other shots: Switch between Ice, Fire, and Thunder Shot strategically during combat and exploration
- Revisit old areas: With all three elemental shots unlocked, you can now access previously blocked paths across multiple regions
- Check your map: Thunder Blockers are marked, so scan your map to find areas you couldn’t reach before
If you’re feeling stuck on any puzzles after getting Thunder Shot, check out our guides on the Sacred Flame Ceremony puzzle or where to go after Volt Forge.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I get Thunder Shot in Metroid Prime 4 Beyond?
You can unlock Thunder Shot after defeating Phenoros at the end of Flare Pool and obtaining Psychic Grapple. You’ll then need to return to Volt Forge to collect the Thunder Chip.
Where exactly is the Thunder Chip located?
The Thunder Chip is in Volt Forge, in a room full of Lamorn power cells. You’ll access it by descending through Tower 1 to the Collapsed Catwalk, then using Psychic Grapple to cross. Look for the malfunctioning power cell on the west side of the room.
Is there a boss fight when I collect the Thunder Chip?
Yes! Be prepared for a boss encounter that triggers immediately after you collect the Thunder Chip. Make sure you’re fully stocked on health and ammo before grabbing it.
What can I do with Thunder Shot besides getting past Thunder Blockers?
Thunder Shot powers up dormant electrical objects and machinery throughout the game, opening up new puzzle solutions and pathways. It’s essential for progressing through later areas and accessing hidden collectibles.
With Thunder Shot finally in your arsenal, you’ve got the complete elemental trifecta. Now you can blast through any blocker the game throws at you and access every corner of the map. Happy hunting, bounty hunter! And if you need more help with boss battles or collectibles, we’ve got you covered.
